The promise of austerity at the top of government appears to be on shaky ground. A new report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o has revealed that the Executive Office of the President is spending billions of shillings on operations that critics may view as excessive, even wasteful.

According to the report, President William Ruto’s office used an eye-watering Sh817 million on printing during the 2024/2025 financial year. That breaks down to Sh68 million every month, or roughly Ksh2.2 million daily.

The spending covered the reproduction of government policies, executive orders, directives, performance contracts, and weekly press releases. Invitations for State House functions, printed on premium paper, also added to the bill.

Beyond printing, the presidency devoted Sh1.9 billion to administration, planning, and support services. Another Sh750 million went to leadership and coordination.

Advisory services stood out as a major cost driver, swallowing Sh1 billion. The breakdown included:

Nyakang’o also flagged the refurbishment of State House, which has already consumed Sh399 million and stands at 66 percent completion. Collectively, renovations have cost over Sh1.2 billion so far, with work projected to continue until 2027.

The revelations are likely to fuel debate on the government’s spending priorities. President Ruto has repeatedly called for fiscal discipline and efficiency, yet the Office of the President’s own accounts reflect heavy expenditure on printing, consultants, and renovations at a time when Kenyans face rising taxes and an unforgiving cost of living.